This episode challenges common assumptions about Zion and explores its true meaning and mission – one that is broader, deeper, and more personal than simply the Church, or a place. Drawing mostly from 19th-century LDS leaders’ teachings, this discussion will reveal the profound spiritual, societal, and practical dimensions of building Zion.

Our guest is Jesse Fisher. Jesse has been fascinated with Zion ever since he picked up the LDS novel “Added Upon” at age 14 – and he’s been pursuing it ever since. His adult life has been devoted to exploring and building more Zion-like models of society. Along the way, he’s launched two freedom-based private schools, invented a bottom-up republic model, and currently serves on the board of the Arizona OSR Land Co-op.

He’s the author of “Champions for Zion: Remarkable Teachings on Building Zion by Early LDS Leaders,” and his most recent book, “Your Matrix Exit Plan: A Guide to Escaping Society’s Dependencies,” helps readers untangle themselves from modern Babylon.

A seventh-generation Texan, Jesse married Celeste Turley of Holbrook, Arizona. Together they have five children and five grandchildren. They are currently building a self-reliance homestead in Riverbed Ranch – Utah’s first and only off-grid garden-farming community, which he considers a prototype Zion-prep village.